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Nichibutsu is one very underrated video game company. Like Toaplan, Psikyo and Cave, they mostly developed shmups, especially vertical ones. But if most of you are from Europe, and if you are a fan of the Formula 1 auto sport, then I'm sure you would enjoy their F1 Circus series, especially the first ones that mostly travel in one direction. Their last few ones changed directions and views, from cockpit-based Mega CD version to third-person viewed SNES ones.

Speaking of outside Japan, Nichibutsu is unknown enough to not have a single game that's fondly remembered by gamers whether famously or infamously. In Japan however, they say their peak at popularity was during the releases of Moon Cresta, its sequel Terra Cresta and especially the Crazy Climber series. For other genres besides shmups and racing games, they have a handful of action, beat 'em up and puzzle games all in one. But one of their most commonly chosen genres is video mahjong (especially hentai-themed).

Nichibutsu is probably still active today, because I saw a Wii remake of Crazy Climber titled as "Crazy Climber Wii". The publisher/developer is labeled as Nihon System, which sounds similar to Nichibutsu's alternate name, Nihon Bussan. Same company? They probably have some of Nichibutsu's former employees.

I've never played a single Nichibutsu title, but I am looking forward to its library. Any of you ever remembered playing at least one?
Edited by 1983parrothead on 27. September 2012 22:42

Grew up playing mooncresta terra cresta its sequel ! flying shark twin cobra renegade douuble dragon etc .going to arcades with 50p games were no more than 10p a credit you could be on some games half hr or so in one credit so it was good bang per buck .
i could clock black tiger in one credit also did 6 hrs on shaolin rd in tibb st manchester the arcade operator had to shut so i got 10p bk too

Thanks for the info Parrothead. I had never heard of Nichibutsu before so it's interesting to find out some info about them. I do have Crazy Climber for WonderSwan. Haven't put that much time into it yet but seems good. It's pretty neat that you can play vertical games with the WonderSwan.

NGFL member 1stSuperTobalman wrote a review of Soldier Girl Amazon. He wasn't very
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